Northern rail schemes 'unpaused'

Network Rail sets longer deadline for key electrification schemes that were paused in June

Network Rail has ‘unpaused’ two major electrification schemes to upgrade the Trans Pennine and Midland Mainline lines - but put back the delivery timetables for both packages of works.

In a letter to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, the infrastructure client recommends revised timetables for delivering both upgrades. Trans Pennine electrification is now set to be delivered by 2022, four years later than the original 2018 end date, while the Midland Mainline upgrade is scheduled to complete in 2020, rather than 2017. McLoughlin will announce the new timetables later today in Leeds.

In June, McLoughlin announced both electrification projects had been paused amid concerns over Network Rail’s capacity to deliver the projects on time and on budget.

Under the revised timetable, the first phase of the Midland Mainline upgrade from Bedford to Kettering would be completed in 2019, with the second phase between Kettering and Sheffield completed in 2023.

Commenting on the announcement, CECA chief executive Alasdair Reisner said: “This is terrific news for both our industry and the wider economy.

“CECA hopes the news that these schemes are to be ‘unpaused’ will enable them to go forward without further delay as an important step towards rebalancing the economy and improving connectivity.”